Baptist Health System names Trip Pilgrim new CEO

Baptist Health System veteran Trip Pilgrim will return as Chief Executive Officer effective immediately, a position he previously held from 2005 to 2009. Pilgrim joins Graham Reeve, who will assume the title of President and Chief Operating Officer.

“San Antonio is an important market for us and one that continues to experience substantial growth,” said Eric Evans, President of Hospital Operations for Tenet Healthcare, the parent company of Baptist Health System. “We believe that having two strong operators in place will assist us in enhancing key service lines and delivering an even greater care experience to patients.”

Pilgrim previously served as Senior Vice President responsible for acquisition, corporate partnership, business development and marketing strategy out of Tenet’s corporate office in Dallas. The opportunity to return to San Antonio, which Pilgrim called home from 2003 to 2012, is a welcome career move. Pilgrim’s more than 30 years in healthcare include positions with Ernst & Young, OrNda Healthcorp and Vanguard Health Systems.

“I am excited to return to San Antonio, a city where I have deep roots and relationships,” said Pilgrim. “Baptist Health System is an outstanding provider of care, and I look forward to working closely with Graham, the leadership teams, physicians and caregivers to build upon the successes of this great system.”

Under Reeve’s tenure, the system opened Mission Trail Baptist Hospital and completed two major expansions at North Central, including the recently opened orthopedic institute. He also helped the system become a pioneer in bundled payments and established the first Accountable Care Organization in San Antonio.

“We’ve grown considerably in San Antonio, but I’m most proud of the Baptist team of clinicians and staff who provide compassionate care to our patients every day,” Reeve said. “I am happy to welcome my friend and colleague Trip back to San Antonio and excited by the prospect of working together again to serve our community. Additionally, my new role will allow me to spend more time in the hospitals, which has always been my passion.”